The Use of Case Records in Research

It can be stated that case records probably will be more useful for research if the research objectives are conceived within the same frame of reference as that used by the worker in writing the records for purposes of treatment. The research objectives may deal with characteristics of persons or of situations revealed in treatment, or with the dynamics of treatment itself. The adequacy, validity, and representativeness of case records need to be appraised in relation to specific research objectives, through study of function, policies, and procedures of the agency in which they originate.

The analysis of the problems and processes involved in the use of case records of social agencies for research purposes leads to the conclusion that this type of research requires a combination of skills in research and the professional practice of social work.